Today I had to go to Duke for my normal follow up blood work and to see Dr. Ellis. Since I had already written his note, but didn't have his exact mailing address, I just gave him the card on my way out. I had never met Dr. Ellis before I had my transplant. I had seen his name on my insurance papers for short term disability but I had never seen him on any Duke appointment. I started seeing him about 2 months after my transplant. Right after the transplant you see a variety of doctors every week. I feel so blessed that Dr. Ellis became my doctor. I don't normally like doctors but I really clicked with him. First of all, he is always on time (which in itself is not the norm at Duke). He is always so positive and friendly and he really takes the time to listen to all of my concerns and issues and he goes over in detail the results of my previous blood work. I have never gotten the sense that he is trying to rush me out of the room to go on to the next patient. Any time I have had the need to send him an email, he answers it promptly. I really appreciate him and the care he gives me!
Dave worked for our company for over 35 years. He was based in Atlanta and worked as a salesman and then he became a representative for the leasing part of our company. He had the southeast region which meant he traveled a lot. I really loved traveling with Dave. He would call me up and tell me he was coming to our area and he would have customer appointments set up and/or I would set some up as well. He had a natural knack for promoting our leasing plan because he used to sell the communcation material that he was trying to lease. He developed so many great relationships with our customers and they all knew he really cared about them and not just their business. He retired about 3 years ago and spends his time with the youth group at his church and works at a local cafe/grill and is loving it. I really miss him and you can tell he is hard to replace as we have never yet met the person who took his place!!
As I go through my day, I find that I am more open to seeing things to be grateful for. Today, I was thankful for safe travels to and from Duke and I found a parking space in the parking deck right near the elevator. I had a nice vacation day and found a new hairdresser. I hope you are open to the positive things in your everyday travels. They are abundant and we merely need to focus on them instead of the negative.
Make it a great day!
Warm wishes,
Annie
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Andrea, Jo Jo and Sandy
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I shared a fun filled day with my friend Terri; we went to a wellness expo and just had fun hanging out together.
I sent a note of encouragement to my husband's cousin's daughter Andrea. She is in her 30s and lives in Canada. She has had rhumatoid arthritis since she was a little girl. Now she has a little girl who is about 7 or 8. Andrea's arthritis is in full bloom. It is in at least 20 of her joints and she has to have help even to take a shower. Luckily, living in Canada, she does not have to worry about the expense of health care. Her parents are also caring for her and her daughter. I just wanted to let her know I had her in my thoughts and prayers. Even with my health issues, I cannot imagine what it is like to be in constant, heavy duty pain every single day. I pray for her to have relief and healing.
Joanne (Jo Jo) is an account manager in our Roanoke office. I don't see her that often but she is a huge go-getter. Her job is to develop business for the branch and for the salesman and she is great at it. She is very faithful and is not afraid to share her beliefs. She walks the talk and if I were a non-believer I would want to know more about what she believes in just based on how she behaves and treats other people. She is active and loves to be outdoors riding her bike. She and her husband Mike are big dog lovers as well. She is just an upbeat, positive person to be around.
Sandy is the wife of one of my branch managers and is so very sweet. I sent her a sympathy card on the death of her 96 year old grandmother. Even though you know your loved one is in their 90's and may not have much time left, it is still so devastating when you lose them.
I hope you find the joy and love you need this week and that you will be a light for others.
Much love,
Annie
I sent a note of encouragement to my husband's cousin's daughter Andrea. She is in her 30s and lives in Canada. She has had rhumatoid arthritis since she was a little girl. Now she has a little girl who is about 7 or 8. Andrea's arthritis is in full bloom. It is in at least 20 of her joints and she has to have help even to take a shower. Luckily, living in Canada, she does not have to worry about the expense of health care. Her parents are also caring for her and her daughter. I just wanted to let her know I had her in my thoughts and prayers. Even with my health issues, I cannot imagine what it is like to be in constant, heavy duty pain every single day. I pray for her to have relief and healing.
Joanne (Jo Jo) is an account manager in our Roanoke office. I don't see her that often but she is a huge go-getter. Her job is to develop business for the branch and for the salesman and she is great at it. She is very faithful and is not afraid to share her beliefs. She walks the talk and if I were a non-believer I would want to know more about what she believes in just based on how she behaves and treats other people. She is active and loves to be outdoors riding her bike. She and her husband Mike are big dog lovers as well. She is just an upbeat, positive person to be around.
Sandy is the wife of one of my branch managers and is so very sweet. I sent her a sympathy card on the death of her 96 year old grandmother. Even though you know your loved one is in their 90's and may not have much time left, it is still so devastating when you lose them.
I hope you find the joy and love you need this week and that you will be a light for others.
Much love,
Annie
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sherry, Cynthia and Debbie
I hope you have had a great week. Mine was unusually busy but invigorating (at work).
I have not seen Sherry since she retired almost ten years ago. She worked in our district office in VA and became one of my bosses right before she retired. Before she was my boss, she was our district's accountant. When she was the accountant she was always so helpful to me when I needed her. She was a dedicated employee and I could always count on her. She cared about us as individuals as well as employees. When she became my boss, I recall her saying she had no idea of all the stuff we went through trying to do our job. (I guess we were so good at it, we made it look easy). I liked that she spoke her mind and did not pussy foot around. That didn't always sit well with everyone but I respected her for it and I do miss her. I think she is enjoying traveling around the country with her husband in their RV. What a life!
Cynthia was a life saver to me when I was on dialysis. She is an aromatherapist and I met her years ago at a wellness expo. She first helped me when my chronic cough got worse and worse. She gave me a mixture that gave me some relief. When I went on dialysis and thought I would have to go to the funny farm because I couldn't get relief from INTENSE and CONSTANT itching she came to my rescue. When I tried about 6 different kinds of sleeping pills because I couldn't sleep, she gave me "Blessed Sleep" and that worked better than any sleeping pill I had. I could just call her up and go by her house and pick up my remedy. I still use "Blessed Sleep" when I need it. Her business is called "Loving Scents". I would encourage each of you to give aromatherapy a chance if you have any issues. It really works.
Debbie works for a customer of ours and I have known her about 8 years. When I came back to work in March 2010 after having to go on dialysis and when she found out why I was out, she IMMEDIATELY said "Oh, you need a kidney? You can have mine". I was so moved and touched that she would not even hesitate to offer this gift of life. I told her it was so generous of her to offer and tried to change the subject. ( I was so shocked that I really didn't think she was serious). But she continued, wanting to know where she would need to go and who she needed to contact to do the testing etc. It turned out that her son had some heart issues and her husband also faced some medical issues. I just didn't think that it was the right thing to do to put her through that additional stress. However, I will always remember her amazing, selfless offer and that means so much to me.
Hoping you are a light for someone who may be in the dark!
Warm wishes,
Annie
I have not seen Sherry since she retired almost ten years ago. She worked in our district office in VA and became one of my bosses right before she retired. Before she was my boss, she was our district's accountant. When she was the accountant she was always so helpful to me when I needed her. She was a dedicated employee and I could always count on her. She cared about us as individuals as well as employees. When she became my boss, I recall her saying she had no idea of all the stuff we went through trying to do our job. (I guess we were so good at it, we made it look easy). I liked that she spoke her mind and did not pussy foot around. That didn't always sit well with everyone but I respected her for it and I do miss her. I think she is enjoying traveling around the country with her husband in their RV. What a life!
Cynthia was a life saver to me when I was on dialysis. She is an aromatherapist and I met her years ago at a wellness expo. She first helped me when my chronic cough got worse and worse. She gave me a mixture that gave me some relief. When I went on dialysis and thought I would have to go to the funny farm because I couldn't get relief from INTENSE and CONSTANT itching she came to my rescue. When I tried about 6 different kinds of sleeping pills because I couldn't sleep, she gave me "Blessed Sleep" and that worked better than any sleeping pill I had. I could just call her up and go by her house and pick up my remedy. I still use "Blessed Sleep" when I need it. Her business is called "Loving Scents". I would encourage each of you to give aromatherapy a chance if you have any issues. It really works.
Debbie works for a customer of ours and I have known her about 8 years. When I came back to work in March 2010 after having to go on dialysis and when she found out why I was out, she IMMEDIATELY said "Oh, you need a kidney? You can have mine". I was so moved and touched that she would not even hesitate to offer this gift of life. I told her it was so generous of her to offer and tried to change the subject. ( I was so shocked that I really didn't think she was serious). But she continued, wanting to know where she would need to go and who she needed to contact to do the testing etc. It turned out that her son had some heart issues and her husband also faced some medical issues. I just didn't think that it was the right thing to do to put her through that additional stress. However, I will always remember her amazing, selfless offer and that means so much to me.
Hoping you are a light for someone who may be in the dark!
Warm wishes,
Annie
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Dearest Hubby and Carol
Happy Sunday!
There were not enough words to let my dearest hubby David know how much he means to me. It's hard to believe we have known each other more years than we haven't. We met at work 29 1/2 years ago and have been married for 25 1/2 years. He is so smart and has the most wonderful sense of humor (DO NOT play ANY type of trivia game with him as you will get your butt whipped). He really loves to unwind with his favorite sit-coms and he will just roar with laughter. We are opposites in so many things but it just seems to work for us. He is my knight in shining armor. He was so encouraging and supportive when I was on dialysis; I couldn't have done it without him. He is a fantastic father and a great role model to our son. He makes sure his mom is taken care of and does errands whenever she needs him. I feel tremendously blessed to have such a wonderful friend and husband.
I sent my dental hygenist Carol a card. She has cleaned our whole families teeth for over 10 years. When she cleans our teeth, she is so upbeat and positive. She always has a smile and definitely likes to talk (this makes the time go so much faster!) She always asks me how David and Nick are doing, how my job is going, how my health is, etc. I know she genuinely cares about each of her patients and I really appreciate her.
Here's hoping you make it a great week!
Warm wishes,
Annie
There were not enough words to let my dearest hubby David know how much he means to me. It's hard to believe we have known each other more years than we haven't. We met at work 29 1/2 years ago and have been married for 25 1/2 years. He is so smart and has the most wonderful sense of humor (DO NOT play ANY type of trivia game with him as you will get your butt whipped). He really loves to unwind with his favorite sit-coms and he will just roar with laughter. We are opposites in so many things but it just seems to work for us. He is my knight in shining armor. He was so encouraging and supportive when I was on dialysis; I couldn't have done it without him. He is a fantastic father and a great role model to our son. He makes sure his mom is taken care of and does errands whenever she needs him. I feel tremendously blessed to have such a wonderful friend and husband.
I sent my dental hygenist Carol a card. She has cleaned our whole families teeth for over 10 years. When she cleans our teeth, she is so upbeat and positive. She always has a smile and definitely likes to talk (this makes the time go so much faster!) She always asks me how David and Nick are doing, how my job is going, how my health is, etc. I know she genuinely cares about each of her patients and I really appreciate her.
Here's hoping you make it a great week!
Warm wishes,
Annie
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Pete and Sylvia
Hope you had a loving, wonderful week. I got such a heart warming email from Sharon. She said that her husband Mike got my card and was really touched to hear from me. He is suffering from depression and showed her my card. She said he put it next to the couch and would re-read it. He has not heard from anyone at work since he has been out. She got her note in the mail the next day and said it meant a lot to her to get words of encouragement as she deals with the myriad of issues that his illness brings.
Pete is another guy I know from working with him in Raleigh. He married my former assistant and friend Veronica. He has been out on medical leave and is also suffering from serious depression. I sent him a card telling him I was praying that God would comfort him and give him strength. I told him that I believed in him and that what God brought him to, he would see him through. Anyway, Veronica called me early the morning after he got it and said when she saw his card, she broke down and cried. She said it meant a lot to him to hear from me and to her as well.
I have known Sylvia for 29 years. We both work for the same company and she started about a year and a half after I did. I knew when I met her that she was a good friend and a great asset to the company. She worked her way through many different jobs, including a Manager of Customer Service. She lost that job when the department she was managing moved to St. Louis. She is a project specialist now and is such a hard worker and really knows her stuff. I remember when our son Nick was born, she was the only one from work that came to visit us in the hospital. She has a good head on her shoulders and is always willing to help me at work if I need anything. I just wanted her to know I appreciate her.
I hope you have a memorable weekend and don't forget to look for all the goodness that surrounds you.
Warm wishes,
Annie
Pete is another guy I know from working with him in Raleigh. He married my former assistant and friend Veronica. He has been out on medical leave and is also suffering from serious depression. I sent him a card telling him I was praying that God would comfort him and give him strength. I told him that I believed in him and that what God brought him to, he would see him through. Anyway, Veronica called me early the morning after he got it and said when she saw his card, she broke down and cried. She said it meant a lot to him to hear from me and to her as well.
I have known Sylvia for 29 years. We both work for the same company and she started about a year and a half after I did. I knew when I met her that she was a good friend and a great asset to the company. She worked her way through many different jobs, including a Manager of Customer Service. She lost that job when the department she was managing moved to St. Louis. She is a project specialist now and is such a hard worker and really knows her stuff. I remember when our son Nick was born, she was the only one from work that came to visit us in the hospital. She has a good head on her shoulders and is always willing to help me at work if I need anything. I just wanted her to know I appreciate her.
I hope you have a memorable weekend and don't forget to look for all the goodness that surrounds you.
Warm wishes,
Annie
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Alex & Alice, Sharon & Mike
I hope you are enjoying this wonderful spring weather we are having; some rain, some sunshine and the start of that yellow haze.
Today is David's brother Alex's birthday. Alice is his wife. I sent him a card telling him how much I admired him and enjoyed being around him. They live about 2 hours from us but whenever he and David are together they laugh and laugh and I love to hear them. They both have such a great sense of humor. They are so quick witted; you really have to be on your toes to keep up with them. Alex and Alice have two wonderful, respectful, loving sons. They are examples to their kids by the way they live. They have a strong work ethic but they also make time for themselves as a couple. You can't have a better example than that.
I know Sharon and Mike from work. They also met at work and got married. Unfortunately Mike is out on permanently disability (side effects from diabetes). He has been out of work over a year and I know he is suffering from depression in addition to his many medical problems. I sent him a card of encouragement and just wanted him to know that I missed him and that I was praying for him. I also sent Sharon a card just to let her know she is also in my prayers and that I know she is under a lot of pressure working full time and taking care of and worrying about Mike.
I encourage you to take just a few minutes this week and send someone you know a note of encouragement. Just one. You may not think it will make that much difference, but I have gotten so many calls and notes/messages from people who thanked me so very much for the card and kind words they received from me. Many of them said they really had a rough day and my card was waiting for them in the mail and really turned their day around.
Here's wishing you a day of joy!
Annie
Today is David's brother Alex's birthday. Alice is his wife. I sent him a card telling him how much I admired him and enjoyed being around him. They live about 2 hours from us but whenever he and David are together they laugh and laugh and I love to hear them. They both have such a great sense of humor. They are so quick witted; you really have to be on your toes to keep up with them. Alex and Alice have two wonderful, respectful, loving sons. They are examples to their kids by the way they live. They have a strong work ethic but they also make time for themselves as a couple. You can't have a better example than that.
I know Sharon and Mike from work. They also met at work and got married. Unfortunately Mike is out on permanently disability (side effects from diabetes). He has been out of work over a year and I know he is suffering from depression in addition to his many medical problems. I sent him a card of encouragement and just wanted him to know that I missed him and that I was praying for him. I also sent Sharon a card just to let her know she is also in my prayers and that I know she is under a lot of pressure working full time and taking care of and worrying about Mike.
I encourage you to take just a few minutes this week and send someone you know a note of encouragement. Just one. You may not think it will make that much difference, but I have gotten so many calls and notes/messages from people who thanked me so very much for the card and kind words they received from me. Many of them said they really had a rough day and my card was waiting for them in the mail and really turned their day around.
Here's wishing you a day of joy!
Annie
Friday, March 16, 2012
John, Wayne and Liz
I have missed blogging this week, but I have been keeping with my notes and am up to date. Hope your week was a great one.
John, (aka Johnny) is my husband's best friend. They have known each other since the first grade. He lives here in town with his lovely wife and two wonderful daughters. John is a very devoted husband and dad. He is a great friend. He has been very helpful in offering job leads to our son. It's very rare to have a friend for over 40 years and that is a real treasure.
Wayne is a co-worker that works in our warehouse. He just celebrated his 20th anniversary and I wanted him to know how much I appreciated all his hard work and dedication in making the company successful.
I simply had to send another card to my friend Liz. She already knows how much she means to me, but I sent her a congratulations card as she recently passed the 2nd part of the CPA exam. She is finishing up her Master's degree and has passed the first and second tests. I am SOOOOO very proud of her as she has worked and worked extremely hard to accomplish this goal. She is an inspiration to others that it is never too late to accomplish something if you work hard and believe you can.
I need to dig deep and see what things I have a passion for accomplishing.... I am not quite certain.
Warm wishes,
Annie
John, (aka Johnny) is my husband's best friend. They have known each other since the first grade. He lives here in town with his lovely wife and two wonderful daughters. John is a very devoted husband and dad. He is a great friend. He has been very helpful in offering job leads to our son. It's very rare to have a friend for over 40 years and that is a real treasure.
Wayne is a co-worker that works in our warehouse. He just celebrated his 20th anniversary and I wanted him to know how much I appreciated all his hard work and dedication in making the company successful.
I simply had to send another card to my friend Liz. She already knows how much she means to me, but I sent her a congratulations card as she recently passed the 2nd part of the CPA exam. She is finishing up her Master's degree and has passed the first and second tests. I am SOOOOO very proud of her as she has worked and worked extremely hard to accomplish this goal. She is an inspiration to others that it is never too late to accomplish something if you work hard and believe you can.
I need to dig deep and see what things I have a passion for accomplishing.... I am not quite certain.
Warm wishes,
Annie
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